Best Medication For ADHD

Most teenagers and children who take ADHD medication report that they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some experience a minor slowing of growth and be experiencing an increase in heart rate or blood pressure while taking these medicines.

There are many different types of medication such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most common stimulant. It is available in three forms: immediate release, extended-release, and sustained-release.

Stimulants

One of the most effective treatments for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These drugs improve concentration and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region which is often described as the brain's "secretary" because it helps with organizing and planning skills.

Stimulants are available in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes, and need to be taken three or twice times per day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine and methylphenidates, such as Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among them. Amphetamines can be more potent and last longer than methylphenidates however they work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. There are extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. They can be a better option since they last between 8 to 12 hours and are usually taken every day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to make a drink, while others are in pill form.

Finding the right medication may take a while. Your doctor will be able to monitor your response to read more different types of medicines and adjust the dosage as needed. Drugs should only be used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which should include behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in but they can make you feel more in control and boost your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same as stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use over a longer period of time. They can also be less prone to side effects, such as constipation, heartburn and lessened sex drive. Strattera is the first of these medications that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both medications in this group.

Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older drugs in the tricyclic antidepressant family, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants do not work or have too many adverse effects.

Your doctor may also prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have immediate effects, but help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a different drug category than the other options and can trigger some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also suggest taking a low dose of an antidepressant called bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD but can be effective to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but not usually serious side effects like the ringing of your ears or changes in your vision.